Warning over new scam preying on seniors
Police have issued an urgent warning for seniors to stay vigilant as a new scam targets more vulnerable Australians.
Wollongong police officers have received reports of wills and estate documents allegedly being forged earlier this year, with inquiries ongoing.
Scammers are currently targeting vulnerable members in the Illawarra community in Sydney, with elderly members of the community and their families being urged to take precautions to lower the risk of the new scam.
"Examples of estate fraud include: a person signing a will that was a different document then they intended to sign, a person signing a will when they limited mental capacity, and an executor could pay themselves advances or unreasonable expenses from the estate,” a statement from a NSW Police spokesperson explained.
Will fraud occurs when misleading or deceptive conduct is used while preparing a will.
Executor fraud occurs when a person appointed to administer an estate uses deceitful tactics to gain access to estate assets, including false, fabricated or misleading statements used for the financial benefit.
Anyone who has been affected or anyone with information have been urged to come forward to police.
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